She urged any other victims to come forward, saying she hoped that today's High Court decision would give them the confidence to speak out.

John Worboys' victims only find out the rapist is released after it was revealed in the news

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The fiend used his role as a black cab driver to trick lure womenCredit: PA:Press Association

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Worboys previously worked as a stripper before becoming a black cab driverCredit: Rex Features

Worboys, who was convicted of 19 serious sexual offences in 2009, had been cleared for release by the Parole Board, despite only serving eight years and eight months behind bars.

Lawyers for the two women had argued that the Parole Board's decision to release the sick attacker was "irrational" and should be overturned.

Kim Harrison, a specialist abuse lawyer from Slater and Gordon, which represented 11 of Worboys’ victims, said: "Our clients are delighted and deeply relieved by today’s decision to overturn the release of this dangerous man.

"We have said all along that Worboys is a manipulative and calculating individual who conned the parole board into granting his release.

"Our clients, who have been terrified that he will track them down after his release, can now sleep easy in their beds safe in the knowledge that this serial sex offender will be kept in jail where he belongs."

In rejecting the Parole Board's decision today, the High Court said they should have "undertaken further inquiry into the circumstances of his offending."

I welcome the decision that John Worboys will not be released - this will give some reassurance to his victims and to all Londoners. It was important, as Mayor, to do all I could to help quash the Parole Board’s decision and help maintain confidence in the criminal justice system pic.twitter.com/KFPZGkJ4tK

The judges said a secretive system protecting one of Britain’s worst-ever sex offenders was unlawful because it breached the principles of open justice.

The ruling means controversial Parole Board rules which have previously stopped ANY details of its hearings from being disclosed will now be torn up forever.

Instead Justice Secretary David Gauke will be forced to draw up new guidelines allowing the public the right to know more about how our most dangerous cons are set free.

Speaking after the High Court's decision today, he said he would be instructing his officials to issue new guidance that "all relevant evidence of past offending should be included in the dossier submitted to the Parole Board, including possibly police evidence".

A spokesman for The Sun newspaper said: "First and foremost this is a day for the victims, who have fought bravely to take this case to court. "But it is also a victory for transparency and for the free press in a matter of profound public interest.

"Today's ruling is a landmark judgment in favour of open justice and will allow the decisions of the Parole Board to be subject to the scrutiny they deserve.

In a letter of resignation to Justice Secretary David Gauke, Mr Hardwick said that he admired the "courage and tenacity" of the victims.

But he also apologised, saying he was "sorry for the mistakes that were made in this case".

In his letter, he added: "You told me that you thought my position was untenable.

"I had no role in the decision of the panel in the case and believe I am capable of leading the Parole Board through the changes, many of which I have advocated, that will now be necessary.

"I am sorry for the mistakes that were made in this case but I have always made it clear that I will support the members and staff of the Board in the very difficult individual decisions they make and I will accept accountability for the work of the Board.

"I will not pass the buck to those who work under me. In these circumstances I inform you of my decision to resign with immediate effect."

Speaking after the ruling, Phillippa Kaufmann QC said it was the Ministry of Justice which was responsible for putting the dossier of evidence before the Parole Board for it to make its decision regarding his release.

She also said it was "disappointing" that Nick Hardwick appeared to have been made a "scapegoat", when there was a "systemic failure".

Prime Minister Theresa May today said there were "serious concerns" around the justice system in the wake of the Worboys case.

She said: "I have the greatest sympathy, I know the sympathies of the whole house will be with all of those who were a victim of Worboys and what they have suffered as the result of his horrific crimes.

"I welcome the judgement today that was found in favour of the brave victims who brought this legal action."

A spokesperson said that Ms May had full confidence in Mr Gauke.
Also welcoming the High Court's decision, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan, said his main priority was to keep Londoners safe, adding: "Regardless of today’s rulings, there needs to be an urgent overhaul of the way Parole Board decisions to release offenders are taken.

"The shocking failures in the way John Worboys’ victims were treated has damaged confidence in the criminal justice system and the time has come for more transparency surrounding decisions to let offenders out of prison."

Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith praised the bravery of the victims for challenging the Worboys' release, saying: "I can’t find words to reflect
my admiration for the brave victims who had to face their attacker in court in order to secure justice.

"They should never have had to. This is a gigantic decision – and it must provoke reform of a failing criminal justice system. #worboys"

I can’t find words to reflect my admiration for the brave victims who had to face their attacker in court in order to secure justice. They should never have had to. This is a gigantic decision – and it must provoke reform of a failing criminal justice system.#worboys